Senior Solicitor/Lawyer (Commercial)

Are you a forward thinking and highly motivated commercial lawyer looking for a fresh challenge and a better work life balance?

Who are we looking for?

This is an exciting time to join Wealden District Council. We are a shared legal service carrying out work for Wealden and Rother District Councils. Our Legal Team provides a crucial role in delivering client focused and professional legal advice, support and assistance to our internal clients.

We are looking for an experienced qualified lawyer to join our supportive team. If you are an ambitious and highly motivated legal professional keen to maximise your potential, then we’d love to hear from you.

You will be responsible for your own caseload as well as working with the Team Leader: Commercial on major projects and transactions. You can expect to be working on a wide range of casework. Any exposure to work within the local government sector is desirable but not essential.

You will be team orientated but able to work autonomously, with strong commercial acumen and communication skills.

The successful candidate will have the opportunity to acquire and develop their legal knowledge and skills on the job whilst also working in a supportive environment for a Council committed to your learning, development and career progression.

What will the role involve?

• Providing professional and timely legal advice to Wealden and Rother District Councils on a range of matters relating to their corporate and commercial arrangements.
• You will play a key part in ensuring the Councils fulfil their legislative and regulatory obligations.
• Working collaboratively with other lawyers within the team and internal clients to achieve the best outcomes for the Councils.
• Effectively managing a varied caseload across multiple service teams and departments.

What skills, knowledge and abilities do you require for the role?

• Significant knowledge and experience of contracts and commercial law
• You will be qualified solicitor or barrister, or Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives with a current practising certificate.
• Extensive experience in providing clear and coherent written and oral legal advice.
• The ability to maintain high standards of client care and work as part of a team to deliver an effective and efficient legal service.

What do we offer?

• Excellent salary, pension, flexible working, fantastic employee benefits and comprehensive staff health & wellbeing scheme.
• A friendly, supportive team and a range of opportunities for continuing professional development.
• Ability to work from home as well as from our newly refurbished offices in Hailsham and Rother’s offices in Bexhill.
• Flexible and hybrid wording arrangements subject to service requirements
• Working for a great, forward thinking local authority
• Free parking

For more information

For more information and an informal and confidential chat about this opportunity please contact Christopher Crichton – Legal Services Manager at christopher.crichton@wealden.gov.uk

CVs will be accepted, provided that an application is also submitted via our online recruitment portal. Please only send your CV to human.resources@wealden.gov.uk

About Wealden

Wealden District Council is a future‑focused organisation committed to safeguarding children and vulnerable adults, and we expect all employees and volunteers to share this responsibility. We are proud to maintain a diverse workforce and inclusive environment where individuality is valued, and all applications are assessed on merit. As a Disability Confident Employer, we ensure fair and accessible recruitment, offer workplace adjustments, and guarantee an interview to disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria.

We also hold the Gold Standards Award for employee wellbeing, reflecting our dedication to supporting our people to thrive. At Wealden District Council, inclusion, wellbeing and equal opportunity are central to who we are and how we work.

Ethical Use of AI in Applications

We welcome innovation and do not automatically exclude candidates who use AI tools during the application process. However, we assess each application to ensure the candidate genuinely understands the role and its requirements.

AI may be used ethically and responsibly, provided it supports, rather than compromises our core values of integrity, transparency, and fairness. During assessments and interviews, candidates must present their own skills and experience without assistance from others, external resources, or AI, unless explicitly instructed otherwise.